The broadcaster hopes to build 38 houses and flats in Bridge of Weir through James (Glasgow) Ltd, the property development company he runs with his neighbour Jeffrey East.

The site is described as “effectively open countryside” and a “logical extension” to the area in a planning application to Renfrewshire council.

Included in the proposal are nine detached houses, six semi-detached houses and three blocks of flats.

Residents have raised concerns about a potential flood risk to existing properties and a lack of local infrastructure, including doctors’ surgeries and schools. Noise was a concern, as were increased traffic and the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

In a planning submission, the development company said: “The proposed development has also considered and responded to the content of the ‘Site Development Brief’ as published by Renfrewshire council in relation to Thriplee Road.

“The development proposals will deliver a 20-minute neighbourhood, on a site that represents a logical extension to an established residential area.

“The development will deliver a range of house types, delivering a diverse range of much-needed housing in a sustainable location within Bridge of Weir. The development proposals have been informed by sustainable design principles. Biodiversity enhancement, landscaping and open space delivery have been central to the design of the development.”

However, residents have raised concerns, The Times reports.

Lynda Masterton said: “There is no access to this proposed site that would not have a massive impact on existing residential properties.

“The idea of huge construction vehicles going along Thriplee Road, a quiet residential street, is very worrying indeed, as is a stream of extra traffic from new residents of the scheme.”

Fiona Husband wrote: “I am against the proposed development due to the impact it will have on local services — schools will be overcrowded plus it is already hard enough to see a GP or dentist.

“There will also be an adverse impact on local roads. I can see no advantage to expanding the village further — the only ones who will benefit will be the developers.”

But Carrie-Ann Stead supported the plans, saying: “I have been a resident of Bridge of Weir for 18 years and cannot emphasise enough how difficult it is finding suitable housing within the area, especially for young people desperate to get on the property ladder but still desiring to live in the country.

“I understand the concerns surrounding the development but we need more housing.”

The company’s submission added: “This planning statement, in conjunction with the studies submitted in support of this planning application, have demonstrated the acceptability of the development proposals in relation to their impact on all applicable areas including design, access and sustainability, flood risk and drainage, arboricultural, ecology and biodiversity enhancement, landscape and visual impact, transport, ground conditions and archaeology.”